Mike Ashley has admitted he paid workers below the minimum wage, also telling MPs he has discovered "issues" with working practices at his firm Sports Direct - which has 15 stores here.

Mr Ashley told MPs from the Business Select Committee that security guards at the company's Shirebrook warehouse held up staff from leaving, meaning they were effectively paid less than the minimum wage.

MPs are investigating working practices at Sports Direct's warehouse, including the use of controversial zero-hours contracts and payment procedures.

Mr Ashley described his review as a "work in progress", adding: "I've discovered some issues and I've hopefully addressed some of those issues. Bottlenecks at security are the main issue."

Last year, the Belfast Telegraph revealed Mr Ashley had bought Donegall Arcade in the city centre.